Breathing Apparatus Instructor

Course overview and learning outcomes

At the FSC we pride ourselves in delivering the best tuition possible with our Instructors within the Fire Craft department sharing over 150 years’ experience operationally and training fire services worldwide.

With the release of the National Operational Guidance in 2020 and in line with current updates to training and use of Breathing Apparatus, the FSC has updated the BA instructors course to encompass these modifications, continuing to meet the high level of learner requirements so that they can implement these changes at both Local and National levels. In order to ensure that our BAI course continues to meet learner requirements, a number of developments have now been incorporated to enable delivery of a more extensive and in-depth curriculum.

The 10-day course includes:

• Introduction of one-day fire behaviour training to reinforce the need to teach and discuss fire behaviour techniques within the breathing apparatus arena and continually revisited throughout the course. 
• The redesign of the practical sessions led by FSC instructors to include advanced knowledge in TIC use, identifying flow paths and tactical considerations all BA wearers should be considering.
• Structured practical scenarios to aid delegates with positioning, condition setting and detailed relevant debriefing skills.
• Introduction of discussion arena for debate and analysis of relevant case studies to underpin and reinforce learning
• Extra time built in for learners exercise preparation
• Sessions in lesson planning, exercise planning and learning cycle to enhance students' teaching, delivery and de-briefing skills

The FSC Breathing Apparatus Instructor Course is for personnel who need to design and deliver safe and effective breathing apparatus training and for personal who are starting their careers in a training centre.

Topics will include:

• BA procedures and equipment
• Physiology of respiration
• Heat and humidity
• Principles of safety
• Risk assessment
• Training and exercise planning

After successful completion of the course, learners will be able to: 

• Understand the use of a breathing apparatus set and ancillary equipment
• Lead familiarisation with BA set and ancillary equipment
• Understand the safety procedures relating to BA instruction
• Plan breathing apparatus practical sessions
• Understand the effects of the BA instruction environment
• Understand how to facilitate BA sessions
• Facilitate practical BA sessions
• Debrief those involved in the BA session